Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond on Tuesday, Oct. 18, announced a proposed one-time, $1,500 retention bonus for non-sworn frontline employees. The $1,500 retention bonus will be provided to frontline employees in multiple departments, including, but not limited to Watershed Management, Sanitation, Library, Parks and Roads and Drainage. All other employees would receive a $1,000 retention bonus, according to the proposal. “DeKalb County’s 6,000 employees have provided high-quality, essential services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and financial crisis,” Thurmond said. Additionally, CEO Thurmond proposed a second round of DeKalb Employee Vaccinations incentives. Employees who provide documentation that they have received…

Rockdale County Supervisor Cynthia Willingham announced that Rockdale voters are casting ballots in record numbers for the Nov. 8 General Election. Rockdale recorded 1,844 ballots cast on Oct. 17, the first day of the early voting period. In 2016, Rockdale’s first day early voting turnout totaled 1,551, officials said.  “Congrats to Rockdale on having its highest ever first day turnout for early voting,” Willingham stated in the report released.  As of 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Day 2, more than 3,000 ballots had been counted, elections officials said. Early voting ends on Nov. 4. The General Election is scheduled Nov. 8.  Rockdale only has one early…

Stonecrest

Family, friends and community leaders gathered on Saturday, Oct. 15,  at the outdoor repast celebrating  the life of Jesse B. Hendrick, Viet Nam war veteran and husband of community activist Josie Dean Hendrick. Mr. Hendrick passed after a long illness that ended with a  stroke. He died in hospice care at home on  Oct. 10. He was  80 years old. The repast was festive with music, food and even a bounce house for the kids to enjoy.  Dozens  of people dropped in to fellowship and pay their respects to the family. The celebration resembled many that have been hosted by…

State Rep. Doreen Carter hosted a Metro Housing Resource Fair on Saturday(Oct. 15), providing  assistance to those who need mortgage and rental assistance, as well as help paying for utilities. The resource fair featured professionals in the housing industry and was held at Voices of Faith Ministries’ Rockdale Campus at 1290 Sigman Road in Conyers.   The half-day event was free to attend. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/ocgnews.com

STONECREST, GA—Sometimes, patience pays off.  And for DeKalb County resident Priscilla Ward, patience paid off big on Saturday, Oct. 15.  Unbeknownst to Ward, she became the 1 millionth person New Birth Missionary Baptist Church has provided food since the church and its partners began giving away free food boxes to the local community since the global pandemic began two and a half years ago. Ward received $1,000 cash for being the 1 millionth person. The cash give away on Saturday was part of the celebration that the church held to mark the huge milestone in providing assistance to those in need.   “At…

Decatur, GA.—  Beginning on October 17 through November 4, registered voters in DeKalb County will head to the polls for advance voting, also called early voting. Here are 5 important reminders for those planning to vote early: During the advance voting period, registered voters can cast ballots at any DeKalb location. For a list of locations, click here. Drop boxes are available in DeKalb, but only at six select advance voting sites and are only accessible during operating hours. View the list here. If you are a voter with a physical disability or are 75 years of age and older,…

STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga.— Efforts to improve the watershed system throughout DeKalb County continues on Monday, October 24, with the launch of the Barbashela Creek Sewer Replacement Project. Crews will work towards a wastewater treatment gravity sewer project to rehabilitate the system. The sewer replacement project is expected to last approximately 14 months (October 2022 to December 2023), barring any weather delays.   Normal construction hours will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays. An increase in construction-related noise and traffic during work hours should be expected.   To learn more about the Barbashela Creek…

DECATUR, Ga.  – The DeKalb County Board of Ethics will conduct a board meeting on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held via Zoom at https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/88137432677 Join by phone at 602-333-0032 or 888-270-9936 and use conference code 171493.  Agenda Adoption of Agenda Approval of the Minutes of September 15, 2022 Administrative Items Proposal for Construction of Wall for Ethics Administrator’s Office Deferred Items Agreement Re: Digital Ethics Training Library, item Deferred from the April 21, 2022 meeting Memo re: Swearing in Board Members, item Tabled from the July 21, 2022 meeting Introduction of New Ethics…